About the Artist

email:  mgoulart79@yahoo.com    phone: (408) 489 1963    located in: Felton, California

I am an artist and an art educator.

When I was 15, I lived in a different country. The time, place and culture made me believe that keep drawing and painting was childish and it wasn’t going to get me anywhere in my life. I gave up on my dream then and took on some more practical path. Luckily, I didn’t give up on my dreams to travel. Few years later, I was moving over the ocean to California, where I could truly be who I really was, an artist.

Now residing in the Santa Cruz Mountains, I feel very fortunate to be a part of such a great community and stunning nature. In my artwork I explore the reactions of human mind and body to color, texture and images derived from nature as a vehicle for visual relaxation. No matter how hard life gets, my artwork has always been positive and a source of a great strengths.

As an artist I combine many art materials and techniques to express my ideas. I enjoy creating artwork that both adults and children will enjoy. My work includes drawings, watercolor and acrylic paintings, illustrations, mixed media, murals, screen-printing, sculpture and ceramics. I also authored coloring books that promote not only creativity, but also include academic learning.

As an art teacher I focus on social-emotional learning, creative and critical thinking, collaboration and communication. Students gain valuable life skills through these lessons. I purposely challenge students' creative thinking, promote problem-solving, confidence, non-verbal communication, dedication, accountability, focus and perseverance through art. My art lessons connect and build upon previous knowledge and art skills to expand them and show many different ways how to express and communicate personal and group ideas and interpret the world around us. Thinking outside of the box is a big part of my art lessons.  I believe, that creative and innovative thinking as well as social-emotional resilience are among skills that our children need not only for their future jobs, but also to succeed at school and their everyday life.

- Martina Goulart